1971–72 Bundesliga

Kickers Offenbach and Rot-Weiss Essen were relegated to the Regionalliga after finishing in the last two places.

They were replaced by VfL Bochum and Fortuna Düsseldorf, who won their respective promotion play-off groups.

Defenders: Franz Beckenbauer (34 / 6); Johnny Hansen (32 / 4); Hans-Georg Schwarzenbeck (32 / 1); Paul Breitner (30 / 4); Herwart Koppenhöfer (14); Günther Rybarczyk (4).

Midfielders: Uli Hoeneß (34 / 13); Franz Roth (32 / 12); Rainer Zobel (32 / 4).

(league appearances and goals listed in brackets) Manager: Udo Lattek.